Brie Larson Enters the Oscar Race as A24 Sets 'Room' Release Date

Brie Larson’s acclaimed, Gotham Award-winning performance in “Short Term 12” was easily one of 2013’s triumphs, and it seems likely the actress will be back in the awards race this season thanks to Lenny Abrahamson’s upcoming drama, “Room.” Although many figured A24 would be releasing the film this fall after it secured a Special Presentations slot at the Toronto International Film Festival yesterday, the distributor has officially thrown the drama into the Oscar race with an October 16 limited release date. The film will expand nationwide on November 6.

The offcial synopsis reads: “‘Room’ tells the extraordinary story of Jack (Tremblay), a spirited 5 year old who is looked after by his loving and devoted Ma (Larson). Like any good mother, Ma dedicates herself to keeping Jack happy and safe, nurturing him with warmth and love and doing typical things like playing games and telling stories. Their life, however, is anything but typical—they are trapped—confined to a windowless, 10-by-10-foot space, which Ma has euphemistically named ‘Room.’ Ma has created a whole universe for Jack within Room, and she will stop at nothing to ensure that, even in this treacherous environment, Jack is able to live a complete and fulfilling life. But as Jack’s curiosity about their situation grows, and Ma’s resilience reaches its breaking point, they enact a risky plan to escape, ultimately bringing them face-to-face with what may turn out to be the scariest thing yet: the real world.”

Adapted from Emma Donoghue’s bestselling novel of the same name, “Room” marks the second feature from Abrahamson, who broke out on last year’s festival circuit with his idiosyncratic comedy-drama, “Frank.” A24 acquired rights to the drama at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival prior to its production. William H. Macy, Joan Allen and newcomer Jacob Tremblay co-star.